Category Archives: indie

Today’s Rising Artist of the Day is O.B., whose name is the shortened version of another acronym O.B.I.E. – One Brother in Evolution. After spending his teenage years through the streets of Paterson, NJ under the alias O.B., O transferred the name into his hip-hop career and added a degree of righteousness aspires to reaching. Often characterized as a head figure of the group, O does more to keep everyone in the family motivated and strong musically; allowing them to feed off the energy he brings.

Musically, he is as diligent as he is talented. His fluid changes in vocal patterns, drawls and lyrical deliveries can make him sound like Black Thought, Nas, Kanye, or Talib Kweli. With a “yet-to-see-soon-to-come” catalog that rivals three greatest hits albums and scattered collaborations forthcoming, O.B. will soon prove to be a formidable musical force.

It’s not just musical talent that makes an artist great, but the ability to inspire, and O.B. possess both of these, which is why he is a rising artist. His music tells a story and entertains you from start to end. “You and I” (below) is a pretty great example of what makes O.B. special. Listen to it below and become a believer.

Today’s Rising Artist of the Day is RoGizz aka Black Blago “da Gov”, who promises to deliver the greatest edition to his mixtape catalog thus far. Tentatively titled, “Interview with a Skitzo 2: Perception Is Reality” (IWAS2), this project features a WHO’s who of the NEWEST FrontRunners in the Hip-Hop Game: Vinny Cha$e, DUBB, Jose Guapo, TREE, Sean Falyon, Caleb James, St. Millie, Fatboi Fre$h and Big Hus.

The first leak is “If I Should Die” which was mixed & mastered by Mike Kolar at the legendary SoundScape Studio in Chicago…a verbal discourse of the perils from living life on da edge..sound-track designed by SC tha Great. The Struggle between Good vs. Evil, Virtue vs Vice, Love vs. Hate RETURNS… Listen to this lyrical genius below and see what makes RoGizz today’s rising artist! Stay tuned for the rest of the mixtape and keep up with him here.

Today’s Rising Artist of the Day is Amelia Scalies, a Top 40/AC charting Indie Singer Songwriter from Pennsylvania.

This passionate, talented writer has been connecting and moving audiences well beyond her years. Amelia’s lyrics focus mainly on the human experience/universal themes. Her debut Album “I Should’ve Known” offers 11 original tracks and one cover by My Chemical Romance – “Welcome to the Black Parade”. Album content ranges from Contemporary Country to Alternative Rock. Audiences of all ages have embraced Amelia’s music at her live performances in New York City, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Washington DC, and Baltimore.

The track “Don’t Let Them Win”, is an anthem for children impacted by bullying. The song encourages children to speak up and speak out while instilling an uplifting message. “What I Should’ve Said” delivers a universal message by reminding all to cherish the ones closest to you. “Macey Brown (Green-Eyed Girl) weaves a tale of lifelong friends discovering a deeper relationship. “Bottom of the Ocean” depicts feelings of loneliness and the pain it brings. “Memory” has a dark tribal rhythm backing heartfelt lyrics of moving on. This eclectic album is sure to delight and appeal to many facets of the human experience – additional music is in the works from this accomplished, young songwriter.

Amelia Scalies song “More Than Words” (below) is a fast paced song with catchy lyrics and feet tapping rhythm. Listen to it below and see what makes Scalies today’s rising artist.

Today’s Rising Artist of the Day is Slack Armada, a solo effort from James Hrabak that embraces ambient, post-rock, electronic, downtempo, and shoegaze music with an emotionally rich and uncompromising feel.

Hrabak’s musical path started on outer realms of indie rock via shoegaze and noise-rock, but was dormant for many years. James sees Slack Armada as the reawakening of a creativity that would not die. “There was an aligning of the planets,” the Chicago-based composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist says with a chuckle. “For me, this project feels a lot like waking up, like a rebirth.”

Musically recharged, and emboldened by the creative communities popping up due to the advent of social media, Hrabak returns to his artistic continuum with the self-titled debut from Slack Armada. The EP is an epic all-instrumental offering that recalls the transcendent textures and dynamics of artists such as My Bloody Valentine, Boards of Canada, and Mogwai. One instantly recognizable distinction from these aforementioned artists is Hrabak’s use of beats as a primary compositional tool, building soundscapes with melodic dynamics around glitchy grooves.

The four-track Slack Armada EP uses melodies and dramatic textures to convey an expressive narrative in lieu of singing. “The absence of vocals wasn’t a conscious decision at the beginning,” Hrabak explains. “As I was building up the tracks, I thought ‘Maybe I can make the music speak to somebody without the additional guide of a human voice.’ I wanted to let the listener be transported with fewer guideposts.”

Slack Armada will progress as an EP-only artistic dialogue releasing diverse but conceptually focused experimental music. Upcoming, Hrabak will be issuing an EP of Slack Armada vocal music. “This debut is a great foundation for what’s to come.” Hrabak says, reflecting back. “I have so much music cooking now – and I’m very excited about what’s coming next.”

One song off of the EP that you MUST listen to is “Rebirth”. ”Rebirth” starts off with a calm beat and then adds ambient sounds to form a masterpiece of tones and patterns that are nothing shy of magnificent. At 2:20 the song picks up momentum, which carries through to the rest of the EP. Listen to it in it’s entirety below!

Want to support Slack Armada? Show your love here, and like him on Facebook!

Today’s Rising Artist of the Day is Electric Sarajevo! Electric Sarajevo formed when 4 members of Muven, Barnum Freak Show and Kardia met in Rome in 2009.

After meeting, for two long but fruitful years Electric Sarajevo worked in seclusion and in secrecy to give form to the 9 songs that are the cornerstone of their first album “Madrigals”.

The theme behind those Madrigals is the love seen in the mirror, that cry out for revenge, the seek for a refuge. These are stories from different angles but always driven by that same strong and self-destructive feeling to the pursuit of peace in your heart!

In August and September 2011 the album was finally recorded, mixed and mastered by V. Fisik, at the Hombrelobo studios in Rome (“Madrigals” also include the invaluable participation of the Soellner brothers from Klimt1918 and V. Fisik from Inferno grind’n'roll).

To understand what makes Electric Sarajevo ‘Today’s Rising Artist’ you need to listen to them. Start with their song “If You Only Knew” (below). It starts off with calming vocals and captivating instrumental play, then turns into a passionate cry that will only pull you in deeper. Electric Sarajevo’s sound is unique and sadly unheard by the masses – for now. We’re excited to follow their career as it seems to be an interesting one!